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Even if there’s a quick end to the NHL lockout, don’t expect Lance Bouma to be in a Calgary Flames sweater off the hop.

The forward sprained both the MCL and ACL in his right knee in Friday’s Abbotsford Heat game against the Chicago Wolves and will be out indefinitely.

Bouma, a third-round pick in 2008, played 43 games for the Flames over the past two seasons. The 22-year-old from Provost, Alta., likely would have been on Calgary’s opening day roster had the NHL season started on time, but he was dispatched to the Heat during the labour stoppage because he is in the final year of his entry-level contract.

Bouma has scored one goal in three games this season for the Heat. He did not accompany the team on a three-game road trip that starts Friday against the Lake Erie Monsters in Cleveland.

The news could have been worse. Had Bouma suffered torn ligaments, his season would likely have been over.

Flames winger Lee Stempniak missed six weeks last season when he suffered strained knee ligaments.